Chimichurri Chicken Recipe (2024)

Chimichurri Chicken is chicken that is marinated in homemade Chimichurri Sauce then grilled (or sauteed) and topped with more of that vibrant fresh Argentinian Chimichurri.

Chimichurri sauce is not only an amazing topping for Steak, Grilled Pork, and protein, but it’s an incredible marinade. It is vibrant, healthy, packed with flavor, and doesn’t require lengthy marinating for tender, tasty chicken.

Chimichurri Chicken Recipe (1)

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Chimichurri Chicken Recipe

Chimichurri sauce is a simple way to upgrade your chicken and make dinner exciting. You can sautee this on a skillet or put it on the grill – both methods work great, so you can enjoy Chicken with Chimichurri all year long. We love using staple sauces to elevate meats as we did with Bruschetta Chicken and Pesto Chicken. Once you have the Chimichurri sauce down (and it’s literally a 5-minute recipe), you’ll want this in your recipe repertoire. It adds so much fresh flavor. Here’s why we love this recipe:

  • Easy – the sauce is quick to make, keeps well, and serves as the marinade and topping in one.
  • Quick – The red wine vinegar in the sauce is a great tenderizer and you only need to marinate it for 15 minutes, although you can also marinate it overnight for a make-ahead option.
  • So Tasty – chimichurri is mouthwatering with all the fresh parsley and garlic. It’s one of the most exciting chicken recipes you’ll try.
  • Versatile – you can grill or sautee this chicken on the stovetop.
Chimichurri Chicken Recipe (2)

Ingredients for Chicken with Chimichurri

This is one of the easiest chicken recipes and there are 3 simple parts to it:

  • Chicken thighs – we use boneless, skinless thigh meat because it is juicier, more forgiving and naturally has more flavor.
  • Chimichurri saucehomemade chimichurri sauce is best because it’s loaded with fresh parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, and olive oil and seasoned with oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. We use half of it for the marinade and half of it for the topping.
  • Salt – we use 1/2 tsp of fine sea salt for perfectly seasoned chicken.
Chimichurri Chicken Recipe (3)

Pro Tip: You can substitute the chicken thighs with chicken breast, but cut larger chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make thinner cutlets. You can also use chicken tenders, but keep in mind that light meat chicken will cook faster than dark meat chicken.

How to Make Chimichurri Chicken

Since the sauce doubles as the marinade and topping, this recipe is truly easy to make.

  1. Make Chimichurri – you’ll want to let it meld in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  2. Marinate chicken – put the chicken into a bowl, add half of the chimichurri sauce and salt and stir to combine. Cover and marinate for 15 minutes or refrigerate overnight.
  3. Cook – You can grill the chicken at 425˚F or over medium/high heat for about 5 minutes per side or sautee it over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side. For the stovetop, heat a skillet over medium heat with olive oil and sautee for 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through.
  4. Add more sauce – transfer the chicken to a serving platter and spoon the remaining Chimichurri sauce over the chicken pieces.
Chimichurri Chicken Recipe (4)

Pro Tip: Our best tip for the juiciest chicken is not to over-cook it. Chicken thighs when the internal temperature at the thickest point reaches 165˚F on an instant-read thermometer.

Chimichurri Chicken Recipe (5)

Serve With

Chimichurri chicken is definitely the star of the show as the main course which you will love. This means you can keep the side dishes simple and fuss-free. Serve this chicken with:

  • Easy Boiled Potatoes
  • Smashed Potatoes
  • White Rice
  • Creamy Mashed Potatoes
  • Roasted Asparagus
  • Roasted Cauliflower

Chimichurri Chicken Recipe

5 from 80 votes

Author: Natasha Kravchuk

Chimichurri Chicken Recipe (7)

You can make this Chimichurri Chicken on the grill or on the stovetop. Marinating the chicken in chimichurri sauce tenderizes it and topping with more chimichurri adds so much vibrant flavor. See all of our tips for making the Best Chimichurri here.

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Prep Time: 20 minutes mins

Cook Time: 10 minutes mins

Marinating Time: 15 minutes mins

Total Time: 45 minutes mins

Ingredients

Servings: 6 people

For the Chicken

  • 2 lbs chicken thighs, about 8 pieces, boneless and skinless
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt

For the Chimichurri Sauce

Instructions

  • Prepare the Chimichurri sauce by combining all of the ingredients in a bowl in the order listed. Stir together, cover, and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.

  • Place chicken into a mixing bowl and add 1/2 tsp salt and half of the prepared Chimichurri sauce. Cover and marinate for 15 minutes or refrigerate overnight if making ahead.*

  • To Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill over medium/high heat. Place chicken smooth-side-down on the hot grates, cover, and grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165˚F at the thickest point with an instant-read thermometer.

  • To Sautee the Chicken: Preheat a heavy skillet over medium heat and add 1 Tbsp olive oil. Add chicken smooth-side-down and sautee 5-7 minutes per side or until cooked through and 165˚F at the thickest point.

  • To Serve the chicken, arrange it on a platter and spoon on the remaining chimichurri sauce then serve right away.

Notes

*If marinating the chicken in the refrigerator overnight, take it out of the refrigerator 15 minutes before grilling to bring it to room temperature for even cooking.

Nutrition Per Serving

446kcal Calories2g Carbs25g Protein37g Fat8g Saturated Fat7g Polyunsaturated Fat19g Monounsaturated Fat0.1g Trans Fat148mg Cholesterol512mg Sodium381mg Potassium0.5g Fiber0.1g Sugar989IU Vitamin A14mg Vitamin C34mg Calcium2mg Iron

  • Full Nutrition Label
  • Nutrition Disclosure

Nutrition Facts

Chimichurri Chicken Recipe

Amount per Serving

% Daily Value*

Fat

37

g

57

%

Saturated Fat

8

g

50

%

Trans Fat

0.1

g

Polyunsaturated Fat

7

g

Monounsaturated Fat

19

g

Cholesterol

148

mg

49

%

Potassium

381

mg

11

%

Carbohydrates

2

g

1

%

Fiber

0.5

g

2

%

Sugar

0.1

g

%

Protein

25

g

50

%

Vitamin A

989

IU

20

%

Vitamin C

14

mg

17

%

Calcium

34

mg

3

%

Iron

2

mg

11

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Argentinian

Keyword: chicken chimichurri, Chicken with Chimichurri, Chimichurri Chicken

Skill Level: $14-$18

Cost to Make: $$

Calories: 446

Natasha Kravchuk

Chimichurri Chicken Recipe (8)

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the blogger behind Natasha's Kitchen (since 2009). My husband and I run this blog together and share only our best, family approved and tested recipes with YOU. Thanks for stopping by! We are so happy you're here.

Read more posts by Natasha

Chimichurri Chicken Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is chimichurri made of? ›

Chimichurri sauce hails from Uruguay and Argentina. It's commonly made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, red pepper flakes, finely chopped parsley, and dried or fresh oregano.

What pairs well with chimichurri sauce? ›

While Chimichurri Sauce is especially great paired with the strong beefy flavours of steak, it's also terrific with other proteins – chicken, turkey, fish, prawns/shrimp – as well as vegetables.

How long does chimichurri need to rest? ›

Notes from the Food & Wine Test Kitchen

It's important to let the chimichurri rest for at least 20 minutes before using it; this allows the garlic, fresh herbs, and crushed red pepper flakes meld with the oil so your chimichurri is extra flavorful.

Is chimichurri healthy for you? ›

It Has Amazing Health Benefits

With the toxin-binding capacity of cilantro and parsley, the antioxidant load of the herbs and citrus, and some powerfully sulfurous garlic, chimichurri supports all your major organs, your immune system and your detox pathways.

Why is my chimichurri sauce bitter? ›

Chimichurri can become bitter if the ingredients aren't balanced properly. Thankfully, there are a few easy ways to fix bitter-tasting chimichurri. Adding more acidity, like citrus or vinegar, can counteract bitter flavors. You can also add a touch of sweetness in the form of honey or sugar.

What is chimichurri seasoning? ›

3 tablespoons dried basil leaves. 2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes. 2 tablespoons dried thyme leaves. 2 tablespoons coarse kosher salt. 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper.

Is chimichurri bad for cholesterol? ›

Improves heart health: The olive oil in chimichurri seasoning is a healthy fat that can help reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol levels, and improve heart health.

What is the difference between Mexican chimichurri and Argentinian chimichurri? ›

Chimichurri is a beautiful raw sauce that is used in several Mexican and South American dishes. There are two green chimichurri sauces, a Mexican chimichurri with parsley and cilantro (like in this recipe), or the Argentinian chimichurri that uses parsley and oregano.

What does chimichurri mean? ›

noun. chi·​mi·​chur·​ri ˌchi-mē-ˈchu̇r-ē : a savory Argentinean sauce or marinade typically made with finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, oregano, vinegar, and olive oil.

Can chimichurri go bad? ›

How long does chimichurri sauce last? Shelf life: Chimichurri evolves in its flavor as it ages. The fresh stage lasts about 2 to 3 weeks when refrigerated, and about 7 days if not. Chimichurri sauce is usually served aged.

Why is my chimichurri brown? ›

Recipe Tips

Use the sharpest knife in your kitchen when making this recipe. A dull knife can pulverize the herbs making the chimichurri look kind of brown.

What if chimichurri is too thick? ›

Stir the herb mixture with olive oil. TIP: If the Chimichurri sauce is too thick, add one tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.

Is chimichurri inflammatory? ›

Along with a big dose of antioxidants and healthy fats, chimichurri is also rich in vitamins and nutrients. Parsley is a good source of vitamins C, A, and K. Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in Manganese, plus vitamins C and B6.

What to eat with chimichurri? ›

Traditionalists might say it's reserved for churrasco, or grilled meat, but we say chimichurri tastes amazing on fish, pasta salads, eggs, potatoes—practically anything!

Is chimichurri OK for acid reflux? ›

Chimichurri is a fresh, uncooked sauce that is typically used on top of grilled meats. It originated in Argentina and Uruguay, and it's typically heavy on herbs and aromatics like parley and garlic. Since garlic is one of the common acid reflux triggers, we had to take it out from this recipe.

What does chimichurri taste like? ›

If we could only use one word to describe chimichurri sauce, it would be “bright.” The combination of fresh cilantro and parsley pack an herbaceous flavor, while the red pepper flakes bring a hint of spice. Add in the garlic's spicy, pungent flavor and the vinegar's acidic tang, and that's chimichurri.

What is Mexican chimichurri made of? ›

Combine parsley, cilantro, oil, oregano, garlic, vinegar, salt, cumin, red pepper flakes, and black pepper in a blender.

Why do they call it chimichurri? ›

The origin of its name is uncertain, though it is probably derived from the Basque tximitxurri, which means something like “a hodgepodge.” It has long since been internationalized, however, with a taste that reflects the manifold flavours brought by immigrants from different European countries.

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